WHEN Peter Brook’s production of Carmen was first staged in 1981, critics proclaimed it put the savagery back into tragedy.

More than 25 years later English Touring Opera’s production has the same affect.

It is a violent, fervent 90-minute whirlwind show of bare flesh, blood and impassioned singing.

It is a very different experience from Bizet’s lavish original. Set in 1939 post-civil war Spain, Carmen’s husband Garcia makes an appearance and the famous overture is played near to the end in the form of a recording.

However, Leah-Marian Jones’ Carmen is still a temptress, balancing a playful zest for life with a fatalistic obsession with danger, and Don Jose’s powerful portrayal of jealousy is absorbing.

The image of Jose (David Curry) on his knees, pleading with Carmen to love him again, is a scene which will no doubt stay with the audience for some time.

Smoke, spotlight and shadow plays a major part in creating a thick atmosphere and the chamber orchestra is superbly led by Gareth Hancock.

La Tragedie de Carmen runs, alongside Rusalka, until Saturday, October 18.